"We are seeing a number of things which concern us."

The Department of Health is seeing a "worrying development" in the country's five-day Covid average, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan has said. Holohan said last night that Ireland's average five-day case count is rising and is now at "over 400 per day." The CMO described the increase as "a worrying development which has persisted for the last few days." "We are seeing a number of things which concern us," he said. "There are examples of small numbers of people congregating for social purposes and simply ignoring the important public health messages. They are putting our collective progress at risk. "We are also seeing number of outbreaks across the country. These include outbreaks in association with funerals. We understand that this is a difficult time for families but it is really important that we do everything we cannot avoid the circumstances which promote transmission of the virus." Holohan added that there have also been more outbreaks associated with workplace settings. He appealed to those who can work from home to do so. "As we head into a new working week, we need stay at home other than for essential reasons and for personal exercise within 5km," he said. "Anyone who can work from home, should work from home." 378 more cases of Covid were reported yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in Ireland to 67,903. One more death was reported yesterday, bringing the death toll to 1,979. Ireland is currently operating under Level 5 restrictions, which are expected to be lifted in the beginning of December.